INVESTIGATING BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS AND STUDYING THEIR SENSITIVITY TO ANTIBIOTICS –SYRIA

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, AL Baath University, Homs, Syria

2 Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, AL Baath University, Homs, Syria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate bacteria isolated from diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), and determine their antibiotic sensitivity patterns that helps clinicians to select appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The study included 65 patients with DFUs who were admitted to Al-Basel Hospital in Homs, Syria between May 2020 and December 2020. Bacteria were isolated from foot lesions and identified by colonial morphology, gram staining and biochemical reactions. Antibiotic sensitivity of isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. A total of 89 bacterial isolates were obtained from 63 patients. Gram-positive bacteria were more common (58%) than gram-negative bacteria (42%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent isolate (29%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (11%). The antibiotic imipenem was the most effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In addition to imipenem, vancomycin and linezolid were the most effective antibiotics against gram-positive bacteria, while gentamicin and amikacin were the most effective antibiotics against gram-negative bacteria. This study showed low levels of sensitivity to self-administered antibiotics. Therefore, there is a need to avoid excessive use of antibiotics and improve antimicrobial stewardship programs.

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